Rota celebrates Field of Heroes three months post-Mangkhut

TanHoldings Corp. and Tan Siu Lin Foundation hosted the annual 9/11 and Field of Heroes commemoration ceremony on Rota exactly three months since the devastation of Typhoon Mangkhut.

Dec. 11 not only marked the third month after Typhoon Mangkhut, but also served as the day to commemorate those who lost their lives during the 9/11 attacks and to recognize local heroes.

According to TanHoldings community relations director Carline Sablan, the event was postponed twice—the first time following Typhoon Mangkhut and the second following Super Typhoon Yutu.

“The Rota Field of Heroes commemoration ceremony was initially scheduled to take place back on Sept. 11, but this was not possible due to Typhoon Mangkhut. Rota…sustained significant damage and we wanted to allow the island time to recover from the typhoon. The ceremony was rescheduled for Oct. 26, and again, was postponed due to Super Typhoon Yutu,” she said.

Despite that, the effect the ceremony had on the island’s residents and TanHoldings and TSL Foundation staff remained the same, Sablan said.

“I am grateful to have been part of the event…despite the delays. The ceremony, as always, was deeply moving. The speeches, the 21-gun salute, the water salute, and the playing of tapes were all very touching as we gathered to remember the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon 17 years ago and honor community heroes,” she said.

During the ceremony, members of the Rota community paid tribute to past and present military service members, police officers, fire and rescue personnel, EMTs, paramedics, and other first responders.

Sablan said that 109 flags were erected on Rota last Tuesday as part of the 9/11 Field of Heroes commemoration ceremony.

Rota Mayor’s Office press secretary Ivan Mereb expressed gratitude to TanHoldings and the TSL Foundation for pulling through with the commemoration ceremony despite the delay.

“Thanks to the partnership of TanHoldings and Rota Mayor’s Office and all their staff for their hard work in executing the success of this event. …Thank you to our honorees, their family members, active service men and women, and veterans. This year, 109 flags were purchased and flown,” he said.

MD: The Tanholdings and Tan Siu Lin foundation hosted the annual 9/11 and Field of Heroes commemoration ceremony on Rota exactly three months since the devastation of Typhoon Mangkhut.
Keywords: Tanholdings, Tan Siu Lin foundation, 9/11 Field of Heroes commemoration ceremony, Rota, Mangkhut